₹5.69 crore awarded through amicable settlements

SYED BASHARAT

SRINAGAR, Mar 16: In a major step towards ensuring speedy and accessible justice, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, in collaboration with the District Judiciary Srinagar, successfully conducted the First National Lok Adalat of 2026 at the District Court Complex Mominabad, Srinagar, as well as at the Court of the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Panthachowk.

The Lok Adalat was organized under the patronage and guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority. The proceedings were conducted under the overall supervision of Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar and Chairman DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Haq Nawaz Zargar, along with Ms. Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority.

The event was formally inaugurated by Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, Mr. Haq Nawaz Zargar, in the presence of several judicial officers, members of the Bar, court officials, and representatives of the District Legal Services Authority.
To ensure the smooth and effective settlement of disputes, twelve separate benches were constituted, each presided over by judicial officers and supported by legal professionals.

These benches collectively took up a massive 49,252 cases for consideration, out of which 48,342 cases were amicably settled through mutual compromise between the parties involved. The settlements resulted in an impressive total compensation and settlement amount of ₹5,69,81,763, demonstrating the effectiveness of the alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

The First Bench was presided over by Ms. Kusoom Lata Pandita, Additional District Judge (Bank Cases), along with Ms. Anjum Ara, 1st Additional District & Sessions Judge, Srinagar.

The Second Bench was headed by Mr. Naushad Ahmad Khan and Mr. Zirgham Hamid, 1st Additional Munsiff/JMIC Srinagar.
The Third Bench comprised Mr. Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Additional District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, and Ms. Tabasum, Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar.

The Fourth Bench was presided over by Ms. Renu Dogra, Principal Judge Family Court Srinagar, and Ms. Preet Simran Kour, 4th Additional District & Sessions Judge Srinagar.
The Fifth Bench, headed by Ms. Mehreen Mushtaq, Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar, and Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi, Presiding Officer MACT Srinagar, handled 70 cases, out of which 38 cases were successfully settled. This bench alone facilitated settlements amounting to ₹2,89,90,000, reflecting the significant financial relief provided to litigants.

During the Lok Adalat proceedings, cheques amounting to ₹1,50,82,485 were distributed on the spot among beneficiaries by the Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar along with other judicial officers, ensuring immediate financial relief and satisfaction to the parties involved.

The Sixth Bench was presided over by Mr. Fida Hussain Nayek, Municipal Magistrate Srinagar, and Mr. Junaid Imtiyaz Mir, Sub-Judge Srinagar.

The Seventh Bench was headed by Mr. Mohammad Ishtiyaq Alam Baba, Forest Magistrate Srinagar, and Ms. Massarat Jabeen, PT&E Magistrate.

The Eighth Bench was presided over by Mr. Shabir Ahmad Malik, Special Mobile Magistrate Traffic Srinagar, and Ms. Mufti Nahida, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Traffic Srinagar.

The Ninth Bench comprised Mr. Tarun Mahajan, City Judge Srinagar, and Mr. Vikas Bhardwaj, 2nd Additional Munsiff Srinagar.
The Tenth Bench was presided over by Ms. Shayesta Nazir, City Munsiff Srinagar, along with Ms. Nazia Hassan, 4th Additional Munsiff Srinagar.
The Eleventh Bench was chaired by Ms. Mainaz Qadir, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Panthachowk, assisted by Advocate Baba Sajad.

The Twelfth Bench was headed by Dr. Farah Deeba, Officiating President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Srinagar, along with Ms. Shabnum Munshi, Member of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Srinagar.

During the course of the proceedings, the Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar personally inspected all Lok Adalat benches at the District Court Complex Srinagar as well as the court at Panthachowk. The inspections were conducted to review the progress of case settlements and to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the proceedings.

The Lok Adalat witnessed enthusiastic participation from judicial officers, advocates, litigants, government departments, and other stakeholders, reflecting a strong commitment towards resolving disputes through dialogue and compromise.

Officials stated that such initiatives play a crucial role in reducing the pendency of cases in courts while providing quick, cost-effective, and mutually agreeable solutions to disputes. The success of the First National Lok Adalat of 2026 underscores the judiciary’s dedication to strengthening public confidence in the justice delivery system and promoting accessible, affordable, and speedy justice for all citizens.

Anantnag, Mar 16: Over 220 passengers were rescued late on Sunday after 31 vehicles got stranded at Sinthan Top due to a sudden and heavy spell of snowfall, officials said.

The high-altitude pass was blocked following the fresh snowfall, prompting an immediate SOS from the stranded travellers, they said.

An official told that a joint rescue operation was launched by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The official said the rescue teams worked under challenging weather conditions for several hours to evacuate the stranded people.

All 220 passengers were safely evacuated along with their vehicles. The operation was successfully concluded around 11:30 pm after they were escorted to Kokernag town.

No casualties were reported in the incident, he added.

A senior police officer told that timely coordination between the agency and the police department ensured the safe rescue of all passengers.

The officer advised travellers to check weather and road conditions before undertaking journeys in high-altitude areas and to strictly adhere to advisories to avoid such incidents. (KNS)

Pedestrian pathway damaged overnight, tiles stolen after fresh work approved; locals seek action, admin promises probe

Bandipora, Mar 15: A tiled pedestrian pathway constructed near the Ziyarat Shareef of Subhan Sahib in Gundpora village of Arin block in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district was allegedly damaged and its tiles removed overnight, prompting residents to demand an inquiry into the incident.

The pathway, around 100 feet in length, had been constructed a few months ago under the 14th Finance Commission (14FC) at an estimated cost of about Rs 80,000 to facilitate pedestrians visiting the shrine and nearby households.

Residents said the pathway was in working condition and was regularly used by people in the locality. However, they alleged that some individuals from the area damaged the structure during the night and removed the tiles.

They also claimed that the act was carried out after some people were reportedly told that fresh development funds would be sanctioned for the same location.

According to locals, Baramulla MP Er Rashid had recently approved Rs 2.50 lakh for work at the same site, and the Block Development Office (BDO) Arin along with the concerned Junior Engineer had prepared an estimate again, raising questions about how work could be proposed at the same location within months of the earlier project.

Residents questioned why an existing pathway in usable condition would be dismantled instead of utilising new funds for other areas lacking basic infrastructure.

“If funds have been sanctioned, they should be used for development in localities where such facilities do not exist,” a resident said, adding that damaging an existing public asset to repeat the same work raises concerns about the use of government funds.

Some locals also alleged that similar practices had occurred in other parts of the block where completed government works were allegedly damaged and re-executed to secure fresh funding. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Residents have urged the district administration and the police to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.
Officials in the Rural Development Department said an inquiry would be initiated to ascertain how the pathway was damaged and whether there was any attempt to misuse public funds.

Block Development Officer (BDO) Arin Abdul Majeed said the pathway had been damaged by locals and described the incident as unfortunate.

“There was no government order to dismantle the pathway. It was relatively new and in good condition. We do not know why people damaged it overnight,” he said, adding that no new work would be approved for the same location.

Srinagar, Mar 15: Vehicular movement on the Srinagar–Kargil highway was suspended again on Sunday after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass rendered the road unsafe for travel, officials said.

Authorities had earlier allowed limited traffic movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil after the highway was temporarily reopened following a six-day closure caused by heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow along the Zojila stretch.

Officials said snow clearance operations were carried out by the Border Roads Organisation after improvement in weather conditions to restore connectivity on the strategic route.

Following the clearance, traffic authorities permitted nearly 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables and other essential supplies, to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil on Sunday morning, they said.

However, fresh snowfall at the high-altitude pass soon made road conditions unsafe, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular movement again as a precautionary measure.

Officials said further decisions regarding the resumption of traffic would be taken after assessing the weather conditions and road safety along the Zojila axis.(KNS).

Terms providing jobs to them as form of ‘sharansthli’; says admin committed to rebuild their lives

Justice not mere words on paper; it is light that dispels darkness in hearts, brings new ray of hope

Our commitment is aligned with PM Modi’s principle of zero tolerance for terrorism

Srinagar, Mar 15 : Terming the handing over of appointment letters to the next of kin of terror victims as a form of “sharansthli (support),” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the initiative aims to help affected families rebuild their lives through employment opportunities.

LG Sinha, presented appointment letters to the next of kin of 50 terror victims under the Compassionate Appointment Rules at Lok Bhavan Auditorium here.

“I am presenting “sharansthli” (support) to terror victims and their families. Many families have been waiting for a long time. By providing employment, we are bringing a new ray of hope and offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The LG shared an Eid message, calling the appointment letters a special Eid gift. “Eid Mubarak to all families. These letters symbolize justice, recognition, and a new beginning. Together, we must nurture our youth, ensure dignity, and rebuild Jammu & Kashmir for a bright future,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the government, LG Sinha said, “Over 400 families of terror victims have already received appointment letters. These are genuine appointments, and if any errors are found, they will be addressed immediately. Many others are engaged in this process, and we are moving forward with coordination between the SSP and administration.”

He referred to a Kashmiri saying: “Insaaf chui suii ujala jo dilo mei gaas krta hia.”

He said, “Justice is not mere words on paper; it is a light that dispels darkness in the hearts and brings a new ray of hope. Families who had long awaited government support have finally been recognized and embraced by the administration.”

Acknowledging the immense pain of families, LG Sinha said, “I understand the suffering you have endured with dignity and courage. Since the 1990s, terrorism has taken away dreams and stability from thousands of families. Jammu & Kashmir administration is committed to rebuild their lives.”

LG Sinha said, “I have met many terror victim families and ensured their reintegration. This is a matter of justice, not charity. Today’s program is a proof of that justice. The administration and police are ensuring that those who caused harm face strict consequences.”

He also highlighted younger victims and families affected decades ago, “Some victims were only 12–13 years old when tragedy struck. Their families have endured unimaginable pain. Today, we will work on rehabilitating them and addressing their concerns, including those without a voice, whose cases will be reviewed in April,” he added.

Underlining broader governance efforts, the LG said, “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, initiatives have strengthened Jammu & Kashmir’s systems. We have a framework based on fairness, equality, and self-reliance. When citizens see dignity and equality, it reflects on the ground.”

LG Sinha further celebrated community achievements: “Sixteen youth have been selected in the Union Public Service Commission, and Jammu & Kashmir recently secured victories in the Ranji Trophy. These accomplishments are the result of persistent efforts to empower youth and citizens.”

On security and zero tolerance toward terrorism, LG Sinha said, “We will continue to enforce strict action against elements promoting terror. Police and administration are working, and society must reject such elements. Our commitment is aligned with the Prime Minister’s principle of zero tolerance for terrorism.”—(KNO)

Srinagar, March 15: The Army said that it, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, killed a Pakistani terrorist in an anti-infiltration operation in the Buchhar area of Uri Sector in Baramulla district.

Taking on micro-blogging platform X, the army’s Chinar Corps wrote, “Based on a specific intelligence input provided by #JKP regarding an infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched on intervening night of 14-15 Mar 26 in Gen area Buchhar, Uri sector.

Alert troops spotted suspicious movement of a terrorist in the thicket. The ambush was readjusted and the terrorist was challenged resulting in terrorist opening indiscriminate fire. In the Contact a Pak terrorist was eliminated. Warlike stores including an AK rifle, pistols and large quantity of ammunition have been recovered. Op continues, reads the post.(GNS)

More students await relocation from various Iranian cities

Srinagar, Mar 14 : In a significant development in the ongoing evacuation of Indian medical students from Iran, the first batch of around 101 students, including many from Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to reach India on March 15.

According to details obtained, the first batch will depart at 1:25 AM from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, after crossing into the country from Iran. The students will travel via Dubai before reaching India.

As per the travel schedule, the flight is expected to arrive in Mumbai at around 4:15 AM, while another group will reach New Delhi at approximately 9:55 AM on March 15.

Officials said that around 90 students have already crossed into Azerbaijan, while others are currently on their way towards different international borders as part of the evacuation route being facilitated for Indian nationals stranded in Iran.

Most of the students in the first batch belong to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, institutions that host a large number of Indian medical students, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir.

However, the evacuation schedule has faced certain disruptions. Two previously scheduled flights—one expected to reach Mumbai on March 14 and another planned for March 17—have been cancelled, leading to changes in travel arrangements and delays in the evacuation process.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Vice President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said that efforts are on to bring back all students stranded in war-hit Iran.

Students from Isfahan and Arak, who are currently staying in their respective hostels, have requested that concerned authorities, including AIMSA, raise their concerns with the authorities and expedite their relocation. They said uncertainty regarding their evacuation schedule is causing anxiety among them.

Several students from Islamic Azad University and Iran University of Medical Sciences, including those who were earlier relocated from Tehran, have already reached Azerbaijan as part of the evacuation route, while others are still travelling towards the border checkpoints.

Another group of students has successfully reached Tabriz after travelling from Qom, where they had stayed overnight. They are now moving towards the Armenian border, from where further travel arrangements are expected to be made.

Students studying in Kerman were shifted to Qom on the evening of March 13, while those from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences are also currently stationed there and are awaiting further instructions regarding their evacuation and travel arrangements.

Families of the students in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed relief over the progress of the evacuation, but have urged authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of all remaining students still stranded in different parts of Iran.

The evacuation process is being carried out in phases as students are being moved from different Iranian cities to safer locations and then transported towards neighbouring countries to facilitate their return to India.

Jammu, Mar 13: Lt General Girish Kalia, AVSM, VSM, Director General Territorial Army visited Chinar Eco Warriors, the Territorial Army’s dedicated Ecological battalion, to review the unit’s contribution towards the Greening Jammu & Kashmir initiative, for which programme is being implemented in close synergy with the State Forest Department, Jammu & Kashmir, under projects funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

During the visit, the Director General was comprehensively briefed on the battalion’s wide-ranging afforestation, ecological rejuvenation and community outreach initiatives being carried out across various parts of the Union Territory.

He expressed deep appreciation to the unit, whose steadfast commitment has not only strengthened environmental stewardship but has also ignited a renewed sense of ecological responsibility among the children, youth and local communities.

In his address, the Director General lauded the battalion’s inspiring efforts to revive awareness about India’s heritage trees, many of which hold profound historical significance and were silent witnesses to the nation’s freedom struggle.

He further commended the initiative to educate the local populace about the ancient botanical treasures of medicinal plants and indigenous tree species, thereby reconnecting communities with the rich ecological wisdom embedded in India’s traditional knowledge systems.

The Director General particularly praised the innovative collaboration between the Chinar Eco Warriors and the State Forest Department in promoting the Miyawaki techniques of medicinal tree plantation, through which clusters of medicinal tree species are being distributed and planted across villages and forest areas.

Such forward-looking initiatives, he foresighted, not only accelerate ecological restoration but also open avenues for value-added forest produce and sustainable income generation for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, thereby harmonising environmental conservation with socio-economic development.

He also applauded the Officers and personnel of the unit for pioneering the adoption of the Kokedama method of plant cultivation, an eco-friendly technique that replaces conventional plastic and clay pots. This innovative approach significantly reduces plastic usage and top soil conservation, while promoting aesthetic and sustainable plant cultivation.

The Director General noted that the initiative resonates strongly with the global call of the United Nations to “Beat Plastic Pollution” and supports the broader objectives of Government of India’s directives of climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability frameworks.

The Director General expressed profound admiration for the professionalism, dedication, and ecological vision displayed by the Officers and personnel of the Chinar Eco Warriors, observing that their tireless efforts represent a unique confluence of national service, environmental guardianship and community empowerment.